Staff Reports
According to sources, President Biden might declare a climate emergency this week to carry out his environmental agenda as Congress drags its feet on climate legislation, according to the Washington Post.
According to the Post, senior Biden administration officials are debating how to achieve the president's goals and the president is getting ready to announce new initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, a Democrat, informed party leaders this week that he opposes the economic package for this month, which includes billions of dollars to reduce carbon emissions and support renewable energy.
Jared Bernstein, the economic adviser to the White House, predicted that Biden would work 'aggressively to attack climate change.”
“Realistically there is a lot he can do and there is a lot he will do'', according to Bernstein.
CEO of the American Exploration & Production Council Anne Bradbury stated on Twitter on Tuesday that “unilaterally declaring a climate emergency will not reduce emissions by one molecule,” ''In fact, many of the policies that could follow from declaring a climate emergency would increase emissions while driving up costs for American families.”
Democratic senators are also urging Biden to implement stronger climate measures in light of the Supreme Court's ruling to restrict the EPA's regulatory authority and the failure of recent legislative efforts.
Biden should take unilateral executive action on climate change, according to Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley, even if the Supreme Court rules it to be illegal.
“There is probably nothing more important for our nation and our world than for the United States to drive a bold, energetic transition in its energy economy from fossil fuels to renewable energy,” Merkley told reporters on Monday.
“This also unchains the president from waiting for Congress to act”, said Merkley.
On Monday, Senate Finance Committee Chair Sen. Ron Wyden urged lawmakers to continue working on legislation.
Wyden added, “While I strongly support additional executive action by President Biden, we know a flood of Re lawsuits will follow.”
''“Legislation continues to be the best option here'', he continued.
An inquiry for comment was not immediately answered by the White House.
The preceding is a summary of an article that originally appeared on WND.
